From your notes, select the information that will make the best argument or discussion. It isn't reasonable to write about everything you discover about the topic, so choose a few things to discuss in detail that will demonstrate your understanding.
Make a list of all of the points you wish to make, and then group these points into common themes or categories.
Decide which is the best sequence for the themes.
Prepare a plan (see the example below)
The simplified diagram below shows what an essay should look like structurally. It is important that the introduction, body and conclusion are linked together as a whole. The introduction will contextualise the topic before stating the problem (specific topic). You may state your position (thesis statement) and then briefly outline what will appear in your essay.
A typical body paragraph has the following structure:
• a topic sentence which conveys the main idea of the paragraph and is commonly found at the beginning of a paragraph.
• supporting sentences which, using your research and citing your sources, provide discussion and examples which add to and expand upon the topic sentence.
• a concluding sentence can help to tie the paragraph together, or may raise a question that links to the next paragraph.
At all times, guide your reader through your writing by signalling when you are introducing a new topic and relating it to the whole assignment.
University of the Western Cape,
Robert Sobukwe Road,
Bellville,
7535
Tel: 021 959 2946